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The AFC North blog wanted to know what the fans thought about the drafts for each of the division teams. Now, let's compare your grades against the ones given by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (first round), G Kevin Zeitler (first round), DT Devon Still (second round), WR Mohamed Sanu (third round), DT Brandon Thompson (third round), TE Orson Charles (fourth round), CB Shaun Prater (fifth round), WR Marvin Jones (fifth round), S George Iloka (fifth round), RB Dan "Boom" Herron (sixth round).

Kiper's grade: A-minus

Fans' grade: A (42 percent in the SportsNation poll)

Fans' comments:

Adam from Dayton: Bengals Draft Grade: A -- I thought that the Bengals did an excellent job in adding depth. The one "head scratcher" that seemed to come about this year was trading their second first round pick when they could have got David DeCastro, the highest-rated guard. Granted they received an extra pick and still grabbed a very big and strong guard a few picks later in Kevin Zeitler with that trade, I think it really boiled down to the fact they could have got the best guard, instead all of Bengal Nation saw him go to the Steelers. All-in-all, everyone knows the AFC North is an old-school run -first division, so beefing up the D-Line with a couple of huge, strong, and athletic linemen was a sound way to go and I for one am happy to see the new blood that the team has. These Bengals have tapped into the fountain of youth rather quickly, yet they are getting better and being built for the future.

Andheez: I went for an A. Kirkpatrick is solid. Zeitler is a beast. Some publications had Still as the top DT pre-combine. Not sold on Sanu, but I think the Charles pick was fantastic. I am not one to ostracize someone for a DUI. Prater, Iloka and Herron probably won't stick, but sounds like Jones was a nice find.

mann_usmc: I give the Bengals a C. Here we go drafting a CB in the first round again. Keep Johnathan Joseph and you can fill other spots (safety). The next four picks draw a big question mark. If you're going to draft an OG, then why not take the best prospect in a decade in DeCastro? You pass on him and allow the Steelers to draft him and all you gain is a third-round pick. That is a big miss in my opinion. Secondly, you draft two DTs when you already have Domata Peko and Geno Atkins. Sure these guys provide depth, but I would think that with my second-round and third-round picks to be a contributor. I wouldn't use draft picks that high for backups.

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CLEVELAND BROWNS

The picks: RB Trent Richardson (first round), QB Brandon Weeden (first round), OT Mitchell Schwartz (second round), NT John Hughes (third round), WR Travis Benjamin (fourth round), LB James-Michael Johnson (fourth round), G Ryan Miller (fifth round), LB Emmanuel Acho (sixth round), DL Billy Winn (sixth round), CB Trevin Wade (seventh round), TE-FB Brad Smelley (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B-minus

Fans' grade: B (38 percent)

Fans' comments:

Kovacs from Dallas: This draft is an A if Weeden works out but probably a low B or high C if he doesn't. Worst case the draft added two starters at key positions, RB and RT, and much-needed depth at areas where it was badly needed, DT and LB. If that's the worst case it's still a nice-looking haul.

Kyle from Columbus, Ohio: The Browns did a pretty good job of filling some holes and adding some depth. I really like the T. Richardson pick, but I think they reached a little for B. Weeden. My only complaint is that if you decide to take a first-round QB, you have to give him some weapons. T. Benjamin looks like a special-team guy, who may help out in the slot.

JBT1MIAMI: Simple D-minus. I'm still waiting for any fan to address why it's not an issue that Trent Richardson didn't compete at the combine because he had his knee scoped. How is he any better injury-wise than [Montario] Hardesty, knowing he's also had both ankles reconstructed. Why no issue with this? Why not just trade for [Rashard] Mendenhall if it's no issue. He's proven on the pro level. Think Steelers believe this kind of thing is an issue with running backs? I guess it's like training a dog, people have to separate emotional attachment of drafting a hyped running back, and learn about calm reasoning. Emotions just gave the Browns a 3-13 record.

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BALTIMORE RAVENS

The picks: OLB Courtney Upshaw (second round), OT-G Kelechi Osemele (second round), RB Bernard Pierce (third round), C-G Gino Gradkowski (fourth round), S Christian Thompson (fourth round), CB Asa Jackson (fifth round), WR Tommy Streeter (sixth round), DT DeAngelo Tyson (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B

Fans' grade: B (40 percent)

Fans' comments:

Shadowwolf1001: It's really toss-up. There are some strong picks here that would warrant an A, but there are also some picks I'm not too sure about which probably warrant a B. I'd have to vote B-plus with the potential of an A grade later on.

jdille123: C-plus. Ozzie [Newsome] must have taken this one off. Still got some good talent, but he usually does better.

youmadbromad: I gave them a D because they did not draft a new FG kicker.

Dave from Mansfield, Ohio: I'm giving the Raven a 'B.' They came into the draft with holes at LB, OT, OG and filled all of these needs. However while Upshaw should help feel the void left by Terrell Suggs, Kelechi Osemele should step in and start at guard and hopefully Gino Gradkowski develops as the replacement for Matt Birk. Plus Tommy Streeter has the potential to be a huge steal if his football skills catch up to his physical stature and speed.

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The picks: G David DeCastro (first round), OT Mike Adams (second round), ILB Sean Spence (third round), NT Alameda Ta'amu (fourth round), RB Chris Rainey (fifth round), WR Toney Clemons (seventh round), TE David Paulson (seventh round), CB Terrence Frederick (seventh round), G Kelvin Beachum (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B

Fans' grade: A (61 percent)

Fans' comments:

WhoDeyAJGreen: As a Bengal fan (obviously) and an OSU football fan, I graded them as a A-minus. Great value picks while also filling needs. The player that will make the difference between an A-minus and A-plus is Mike Adams. If he can get his [act] together, then they had one heck of a draft from top to bottom.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns couldn't hide their enthusiasm for Trent Richardson.

The Browns wanted him so badly that they gave up three picks to move one spot to make sure they got the only elite running back in this draft. Then, even before the Washington Redskins made their pick at No. 2, Cleveland turned in its card with Richardson's name on it.

Richardson brings new life and enthusiasm to one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He also brings something equally important -- a physical identity.

Cleveland's long-plodding offense is now tougher, rougher and meaner. With all due respect to Jim Brown, Richardson is far from "ordinary." Richardson is the type of no-nonsense running back a team needs when colliding with the likes of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

In the SEC, one of the best college conferences in the country, Richardson set Alabama season records for rushing yards (1,679) and touchdowns (21) by showing no hesitation when running between the tackles. He was fearless in bulling past defenders and stiff-arming them. What makes him a playmaker is his ability to also make players miss in the open field. His power and elusiveness are a special combination.

This is a draft where the Browns must rebuild their offense. They started by finding the centerpiece for it.

"We’re thrilled. He’s one of the guys who’s passionate, productive and durable," Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. "He’s the kind of runner that we feel is going to help us to put an offense together to score the points that we need to win the games that we’re going to win.

"If you don’t sense the excitement in my voice, then you’re missing it."

What the Browns were missing last season was a spark on offense. Cleveland ranked 29th in yards and 30th in scoring. That's why trading up to secure Richardson wasn't just the right move. It was the only one.

It was an aggressive move for an aggressive player. Outside of quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, Richardson was the only other player in this draft who could immediately affect an offense.

Problem: The Browns scored four rushing touchdowns last season, which was tied for the the second-fewest in the past 15 NFL seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Solution: Richardson is one of three players in SEC history to score 20 or more rushing touchdowns in a season.

Problem: The Browns' running backs averaged the fewest yards after contact (1.77) last season.

Solution: Richardson thrives on contact and talked openly Thursday night about crashing into Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu.

There's a risk in taking a running back so high in the draft, which is why few teams do it. There have been five running backs taken in the top five in the previous 10 drafts: Cedric Benson (2005), Ronnie Brown (2005), Cadillac Williams (2005), Reggie Bush (2006) and Darren McFadden (2008). They've combined for one Pro Bowl.

Shurmur indicated that if the Browns didn't take Richardson in the top five, another team would have. This prompted the Browns to give up picks in the fourth (118th overall), fifth (139th) and seventh (211th) rounds to move up one spot to get Richardson. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams reportedly were thinking about trading up for him.

Why were so many teams interested in Richardson? As Shurmur describes him, Richardson is virtually flawless.

"He can run with power. He can make you miss when he gets in the open. He can score," Shurmur said. "I like the fact that when he’s asked to pass-protect, he will do it aggressively. And, when you throw him the football, he catches it. Unless I’m missing something there, that’s what runners got to do."

The Browns needed a playmaker at running back. Perhaps just as important, they needed a running back who will show up every week. That was a major problem last season, when Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson missed a chunk of the season with injuries.

"The other guys on this team, the coaches and our fans need to know that our players are going to show up," Shurmur said. "I’ve seen this in this player. We feel like that’s what we’re getting."

Richardson has his skeptics, namely the best running back in Browns history. When asked Thursday afternoon about the possibility of Cleveland taking Richardson, Jim Brown said, "I'm not overwhelmed with it. The problem is that he's ordinary. I think he's ordinary." Asked what about him is ordinary, Brown said, "the size, the speed, his moves."

You have to admire how Richardson responded to the criticism. Like his style of play, he attacked it head on.

"I got a lot to prove," he said on a conference call with reporters. "I'm going to make sure they all mention my name and compare people to me."

Shurmur couldn't say at what point during the draft process that the Browns knew Richardson was going to be their pick.

It could have been during his pro day in late March, when he knocked down Cleveland running backs coach Gary Brown in a blocking drill.

It could have been when he took 17-year-old cancer survivor Courtney Alvis to the senior prom 10 days before the draft.

Richardson acknowledged he didn't know he was going to be taken this high. But he's as excited as the Browns that it happened.

"It's bigger than winning the national championship game," Richardson said.

In a perfect scenario, the Browns would've been able to trade up last month to get RG3. They didn't get their quarterback, but they were determined not to lose out on their running back.

But Richardson is more than a running back to the Browns. He's their cornerstone and their new identity.

"He’s going to be what we think is going to be a really, really fine addition to the Cleveland Browns team," Shurmur said. "He’s going to be one of those players that our fans and our community will be able to watch run the ball for a lot of years. That’s what we’re excited about."

There's no debate that the Cleveland Browns need to upgrade significantly on offense in this draft.

The Browns ranked 29th in total yards (288.8 per game) and 30th in points (13.6). The St. Louis Rams were the only other team to rank in the bottom four in the NFL in both those categories.

But what is the Browns' biggest need heading into this year's draft? Here are the top choices:

Quarterback: The Browns failed in their attempt to trade up in the draft to get Robert Griffin III. Now, they are left with Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace. In his first full season as a starter, McCoy ranked 26th in completion percentage (57.2), 25th in passing yards per game (210.2), 32nd in yards per attempt (5.9), 25th in passer rating (74.6) and 25th in QBR (39.8).

Running back: Cleveland didn't re-sign Peyton Hillis, their starting running back for the past two seasons who went to Kansas City. The Browns' remaining backs -- Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya -- totaled 600 rushing yards and one touchdown last season. Hardesty and Jackson missed a combined 22 games last season because of injuries.

Wide receiver: This group produced a lot of drops and few big plays. Greg Little, Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi combined for 20 catches over 20 yards, averaged 12.1 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns.

Offensive tackle: The Browns cut starting right tackle Tony Pashos and didn't re-sign backup Artis Hicks. If the season started today, Cleveland would go with Oniel Cousins, a Ravens castoff who has started five games in four seasons.

Go ahead and register your vote, or let me know what you think in the comments section below. I'll follow up by Monday.

Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. broke down the top six needs remaining for each of the AFC North teams. You'll need an Insider subscription to view the entire post, but here's a glimpse of the top three needs:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Horton's top three needs: Cornerback, guard and safety.

Horton on cornerback: The starters in 2011 were Leon Hall, who will be coming off an Achilles injury, and 32-year-old Nate Clements. When Hall went down, Adam Jones filled in, but none of these three make you comfortable in man coverage. Newly acquired free agent Jason Allen will help, but there is a lot of work to be done here.

Hensley's comment: I wouldn't put cornerback as the top need because the Bengals added Allen and re-signed Jones. Allen is an upgrade over Kelly Jennings. Guard is the bigger concern. If the season started today, the Bengals' starting right guard would either be Otis Hudson, Clint Boling or Anthony Collins (who would shift over from tackle).

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Horton's top three needs: Quarterback, wide receiver and running back.

Horton on quarterback: Right now, their options at QB are starter Colt McCoy and veteran backup Seneca Wallace, but nobody expects it to stay that way. With two first-round draft picks, they will almost surely pick a QB with one of them.

Hensley's comment: You could make a strong argument that quarterback, wide receiver or running back should rank as the No. 1 need. My top need for Cleveland is right tackle. The Browns can at least start McCoy, Greg Little, Mohamed Massaquoi and Montario Hardesty at those other positions. Right tackle was a weak spot for the Browns last season with Tony Pashos and Artis Hicks, both of whom are now gone. The Browns' starting right tackle at this point is Oniel Cousins, a third-round bust from Baltimore.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Horton's three needs: Inside linebacker, left guard and safety.

Horton on inside linebacker: The Ray Lewis era will be ending soon, and the Ravens need to find his replacement. Jameel McClain was re-signed, and he can play inside or outside, but a three-down linebacker who can play solid pass defense is sorely needed.

Hensley's comment: Left guard is the biggest need on the team, and it's not even close. The Ravens couldn't keep Ben Grubbs and failed to sign Evan Mathis. The fallback option is Jah Reid, a backup offensive tackle last season. Going from a Pro Bowl guard (Grubbs) to a converted tackle (Reid) is a major step down.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Horton's top three needs: Offensive tackle/guard, nose tackle and running back.

Horton on offensive tackle/guard: Center Maurkice Pouncey is the only stable starter on this unit. Veteran tackle Max Starks is coming off an ACL injury and T Willie Colon can't stay healthy, though the coaches hope he can get through a full season at RT with young Marcus Gilbert moving from RT to LT. There is also a big hole at left guard. The Steelers need to get at least one, and maybe two, starters up front.

Hensley's comment: You can't really disagree with this assessment. Left guard Doug Legursky is a backup who performed admirably when Chris Kemoeatu was benched. Gilbert has a good chance of succeeding on the left side, but it's hard to depend on Colon at right tackle with his injury history. The Steelers' options are limited because there is no depth. Jonathan Scott, who has struggled mightily, is the top backup at tackle, and there's no reserves at guard with Trai Essex (free agent) and Jamon Meredith (not tendered as a restricted free agent) off on the roster.

The free-agent market for running backs has heated up, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have been content to chill.

Both teams need to replace their leading rushers. The Steelers can't depend on Rashard Mendenhall (ACL surgery in January) this year, and the Browns didn't attempt to re-sign Peyton Hillis. If the season kicked off today, the Steelers would start Isaac Redman, and the Browns would go with either Montario Hardesty or Brandon Jackson.

Still, there's been no sense of urgency by either team, as a running back signed nearly every day this week. Mike Tolbert joined the Panthers on Monday. BenJarvus Green-Ellis went to the Bengals on Wednesday. And Michael Bush landed with the Bears on Thursday.

I could see where the Steelers might be content with Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, John Clay and Baron Batch, although it's still risky considering they have a combined 197 carries in the NFL. General manager Kevin Colbert insisted the Steelers weren't in the market for a running back more than any other position at the NFL combine last month, but that doesn't mean he has ruled it out completely.

The Browns' running back group of Hardesty, Jackson and Ogbonnaya totaled 600 rushing yards and one touchdown, and it's assumed they would add someone in free agency or the draft.

The remaining free-agent running backs aren't game-changers, but they can be productive. The top ones available are: Brandon Jacobs, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai, Ryan Grant and Kevin Smith. There are possibilities for trades, but the Panthers aren't shopping Jonathan Stewart yet, and the Bears don't appear ready to move Matt Forte.

When it comes to the draft, the Browns have a big decision at running back. They could take Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick or wait to find one in the second, third or fourth rounds.

Looking at what the Steelers and Browns have now, they would strengthen their teams if they added a running back. But their approach so far tells me these teams are either waiting for a good value in free agency, or they will look for another running back in the draft.

CBSSports.com's AFC North free agency preview focuses on what the division contenders must do to catch the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens could be facing significant turnover at linebacker this offseason, writes Matt Vensel of the Baltimore Sun.

Vinny Iyer of the Sporting News has a list of the best available free-agent defensive tackles, and Baltimore's Brandon McKinney is mentioned.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cornerback Leon Hall finally got a chance to meet new secondary coach Mark Carrier, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Cleveland Browns

Ryan Wilson of CBSsports.com explains why free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn makes a lot of sense for the Browns.

General Manager Tom Heckert says the Browns have not talked to Peyton Manning and don't plan to pursue the quarterback. He also said the Browns haven't ruled out trading up with the Rams for the No. 2 pick in the draft for a chance to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Pursuing Peyton Manning doesn't make sense for the Browns, writes Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Heckert says the Browns are comfortable with running backs Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Brandon Jackson.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After recently turning 30, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he is excited about the talent around him, and hopes he is just entering his prime.

The AFC North is running a series where every position will be ranked and what could change at that position.

RUNNING BACKS

1. RAVENS: Baltimore has one of the best backfields in the NFL, not just the AFC North. The Ravens boast Pro Bowl players at tailback (Ray Rice) and fullback (Vonta Leach). Rice produced an NFL-best 2,068 total yards and set a team record with 15 touchdowns. He led the AFC North in rushing (1,364 yards) and receptions by a running back (76). Much of Rice's success on the ground came from running behind the powerful blocks of Leach, who was as good as advertised. Ricky Williams was a relative non-factor as a backup because Rice never got seriously injured. What could change: Rice is a free agent but he isn't going anywhere. The Ravens will franchise him and it should happen Friday. The Ravens have to find a new backup running back because Williams decided to retire. Baltimore will give rookie Anthony Allen the first shot at the job.

2. STEELERS: As a group, the Steelers ran for the second-most yards (1,903) in the division and had the best average (4.4 yards per carry). Rashard Mendenhall didn't run with authority, or in between the tackles, and fell short of his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season (he had 928 yards). He only broke three runs over 20 yards. His season came to an abrupt end with a knee injury in the regular-season finale. Isaac Redman came through in limited opportunities and gained 121 yards in the playoff loss at Denver. Mewelde Moore and Jonathan Dwyer both averaged over 7.0 yards per carry before sustaining season-ending injuries. Pittsburgh's running game proved to be efficient but not electric. What could change: Mendenhall underwent surgery in January, so he is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list (he would miss at least the first six games of the season). If the Steelers don't add another running back, Redman would take over as the featured back. Moore is a free agent and is not expected to return.

3. BENGALS: Cincinnati's top two running backs, Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott, both averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per carry. The blame has to be equally shared by the Bengals' ineffective guards and plodding running backs. Benson finished with 1,067 yards, his lowest total since 2008. The Bengals wanted more big plays out of Benson, who had four runs over 20 yards. He complained about splitting carries with Scott, who is a good change-of-pace back but averaged 3.4 yards per carry. If you think that's poor, Scott averaged 2.9 yards per catch. Fullback Chris Pressley was one of the few bright spots of the backfield. As a team, Cincinnati was tied for 26th in the NFL with a 3.9-yard average in the running game. What could change: The Bengals need to find another running back because there will be a mutual parting of the ways with Benson, who is a free agent. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said he is leaning toward a running back-by-committee system. Alabama running back Trent Richardson isn't expected to fall to the Bengals, but Oakland free agent Michael Bush has been strongly linked to them.

4. BROWNS: You know times are tough when Chris Ogbonnaya goes from the Texans practice squad to the Browns' starting lineup in two weeks. The Browns' three top running backs -- Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson -- all missed significant time with injuries. Hillis was the biggest disappointment of the group, watching his rushing yards drop from 1,177 in 2010 to 587 last season. He was sidelined for five games with a hamstring injury and one with strep throat. Hardesty missed all of his rookie year recovering from knee surgery and missed six games in 2011 with a calf injury. The Browns like the promise of rookie fullback Owen Marecic, but they missed the blocking of Lawrence Vickers. The Browns finished 28th in the NFL in rushing. What could change: The big question is whether the Browns will re-sign Hillis. If they bring him back, it'll likely be for one year. If they don't, they will have to find another lead back. It would be huge if Jackson bounces back from a turf toe injury that sidelined him all of last season.

Feb. 20: Special teams; Feb. 21: Defensive line; Feb. 23: Linebackers; Feb. 24: Defensive backs; Feb. 27: Offensive line; Feb. 28: Wide receivers; Feb. 29: Tight ends.

For Friday: Quarterbacks

Football Outsiders analyzed the biggest holes facing each AFC North team going into the offseason. While I can't reveal everything because it's an Insider post, I'll provide the most interesting nugget of information for each team.

BENGALS: Running back, guard. This is a no-brainer because the starting running back (Cedric Benson) and the three guards that started the most games (Nate Livings, Mike McGlynn and Bobbie Williams) are unrestricted free agents. Best note from Football Outsiders: Livings and McGlynn combined to blow seven run blocks that directly resulted in negative yardage.

BROWNS: Running back. Honestly, Football Outsiders could have named every position on offense. Running back stands out because of injuries and ineffectiveness. Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya all failed to provide big plays in the running game. Best note from Football Outsiders: The Browns ranked 30th (2010) and 32nd (2011) in second-level yards by running backs. They also ranked 24th (2010) and 31st (2011) in open-field yards.

RAVENS: Interior offensive line, special teams. Everyone knows the Ravens could have major holes with center Matt Birk and left guard Ben Grubbs becoming free agents. The best observation was the struggles of the special teams, especially the coverage teams. It could get worse because four of Baltimore's top five tacklers on special teams are set to become unrestricted free agents: Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Jameel McClain. Best note from Football Outsiders: According to Football Outsiders, the Ravens' special teams went from a No. 4 ranking in 2010 to 30th this season, which has to bother a former special-teams coach like John Harbaugh.

STEELERS: Defensive line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is coming off ACL surgery, and defensive end Brett Keisel severely hurt his groin in the playoff loss at Denver. Backup nose tackle Chris Hoke retired and defensive end Aaron Smith could be next. Best note from Football Outsiders: Early indications suggest that Ziggy Hood will slide over to nose tackle in place of Hampton, Cameron Heyward will start in Hood's old spot on the strong side, Keisel will return at right defensive end.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Steelers linebacker James Harrison was unapologetic for the hit that forced him to miss Monday night's loss to San Francisco, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"It happened, oh well," Harrison told the paper. "Deal with it. Move on. When it came down to it, my helmet hit his. Oh, well."

Harrison, who returned from his one-game suspension Tuesday, said he isn't concerned about the future ones.

"Nope, not worried about anything," Harrison said. "Can't see the future. I am not a fortune teller. I will deal with it as it comes."

Hensley's slant: It doesn't sound like Harrison received the NFL's message. If he gets flagged for another illegal hit, he is facing a suspension involving multiple games. Harrison is in a no-win situation when it comes to fighting the NFL.

BENGALS: There are other more complicated ways of the Bengals clinching a wild-card spot, but the most straightforward one is: The Bengals win out and the New York Jets lose at least once in their final two games (against the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins). According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, if the Bengals lose to Arizona on Saturday and the Jets win, the Bengals would need to beat the Ravens and have the Jets lose to the Dolphins. Both teams would be 9-7 in that scenario, but Bengals would win tiebreak based on better conference record. Hensley's slant: Looking at the Jets' last two games, they could easily lose to the Giants or at Miami. The Jets are 2-5 on the road this season. The biggest obstacle for the Bengals is the regular-season finale against the Ravens. Cincinnati is 0-6 against teams that currently have a winning record.

BROWNS: Running back Montario Hardesty is looking to end the season on a positive note after a calf injury has ruined most of it. Hardesty has carried the ball in one of the past seven games because of a calf injury. "I definitely want to finish out these two games strong," Hardesty said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hensley's slant: Hardesty might be able to salvage some of the season, but it's probably too late to get rid of that injury-prone label. His inability to stay healthy combined with Peyton Hillis' expected exit is a major reason why the Browns are already being linked to Alabama running back Trent Richardson in the first round.

RAVENS: If Billy Cundiff can't kick Saturday because of a left calf injury, the Ravens will turn to veteran journeyman Shayne Graham, whom the team signed Wednesday. "If I'm asked to go out and play, then I go out and play and play my best to help these guys win," Graham said, via MASN Sports. "If it's for one week, it's for one week. If it's for two, it's two. If it takes more or less, that's really out of my hands. All I can do is line up and kick when they ask me to." Hensley's slant: The Ravens had to make contingency plans after Cundiff missed a 36-yard field goal Sunday, his ninth failed attempt of the season. But Baltimore had better hope Cundiff is healthy enough to kick in the playoffs. Graham missed both of his field goals, including a 28-yarder, in a playoff loss two years ago. That's a major reason why the Bengals didn't re-sign him.

Here are the main injuries around the division and what they mean:

BENGALS: Cincinnati could be starting two backups on the right side of the offensive line. Mike McGlynn is taking over at RG for Bobbie Williams, who has been placed on injured reserve. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) didn't practice Thursday and Friday. Anthony Collins would replace Smith, who has been among the most-improved players on the team. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), who has been out for four of the past five games, is probable after being limited in practice all week. RB Cedric Benson (back), CB Nate Clements (hamstring), S Chris Crocker (knee) and LB Manny Lawson (ankle) are all probable.

BROWNS: Cleveland finally made it official and ruled out QB Colt McCoy (concussion), who hasn't practiced since getting hit in the head by Steelers LB James Harrison. Seneca Wallace makes his fifth start for the Browns. TE Ben Watson (concussion, placed on injured reserve), FB Owen Marecic (concussion) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) are also out. WR Josh Cribbs (groin) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) are questionable. RB Peyton Hillis had full practices all week and wasn't listed on the injury report.

RAVENS: CB Lardarius Webb (toe, questionable) is considered the most serious after not practicing all week. Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams are expected to start for Baltimore at cornerback. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) is expected to return after being sidelined for four weeks. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. DT Haloti Ngata (back, questionable) has been limited all week but should start. K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) didn't practice this week but that was considered precautionary because he kicked last Sunday with the same injury.

STEELERS: Official designations will come out Saturday because the Steelers play on Monday night. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) practiced for the first time this week, although it was on a limited basis. SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) all didn't practice.

The practice report for Browns-Steelers, who play Thursday night:

BROWNS: SS T.J. Ward (foot) has been ruled out. RB Peyton Hillis (hip), FS Mike Adams (shoulder) and OT Tony Pashos (ankle) were limited. QB Colt McCoy (knee) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) had full participation.

STEELERS: The team listed 21 players with limited participation, including LB LaMarr Woodley (hamstring), G Ramon Foster (ankle), SS Troy Polamalu (knee), LB James Harrison (back), RB Rashard Mendenhall (back), C Maurkice Pouncey (knee) and QB Ben Roethlisberger (right thumb).

The Browns are tied with three other teams for the most dropped passes in the NFL with 23. The New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles have all dropped as many, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Cleveland wide receiver Greg Little ranks second in the league with eight drops, half of which came in Sunday's loss at Cincinnati. Little and Browns running back Montario Hardesty (six drops) have more combined drops than the entire Steelers team (which has 12).

The Ravens are second in the AFC North with 16 drops, and the Bengals are right behind with 15.

This month, there were reports that the Browns were prepared to part ways with Peyton Hillis at the end of the season. Today, head coach Pat Shumur said Hillis would be the starting running back when he's healthy, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

This is sending mixed signals. Actually, it makes little sense considering Hillis' behavior this year.

He went public over his lack of a contract, missed a game because of strep throat on the advice of his agent, failed to show up for a scheduled appearance at a Halloween party for children and got married in Arkansas instead of getting treatment at the Browns facility for his injured hamstring. There was also a report three weeks ago on Yahoo! Sports that said eight veteran players summoned Hillis for "an intervention-style, air-clearing session designed to restore his focus."

Do the Browns need more reasons to move on? Cleveland would send the wrong message by going back to Hillis after these antics.

Hillis has missed the past five games after injuring his hamstring. He had been ruled out by Shurmur early in the week, but he participated in team drills today and is now considered a game-time decision.

"It's looking very positive for this game," Hillis told The Plain Dealer. "We're all shooting for this Sunday. . . . I'm working my best to get out there, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I'm eager and excited about it."

For the Browns, there should be no decision. The Browns need to find out whether Montario Hardesty, a second-round pick in 2010, can be the featured back. The only reasons you would start Hillis are because you think he can dramatically turn around the season for the 4-6 Browns or you believe he still has a future in Cleveland.

Maybe Hillis has changed. Or maybe the Browns' stance on him has changed. Either way, this is another unexpected twist in a drama-filled season for Hillis and the Browns.

The Browns' Montario Hardesty can prove he's the starting running back for the present and future in the final six games of this season.

Hardesty, who is expected to start Sunday against Cincinnati if he's healthy, has the most challenging finish of any NFL running back. He'll face a top-6 run defense in five of the last six games in 2011: Cincinnati (No. 3 run defense), Baltimore twice (No. 5) and Pittsburgh twice (No. 6). The only break comes against Arizona, which ranks 24th against the run.

“It’s going to be exciting,” said Hardesty, who hasn't played since injuring his calf at San Francisco on Oct. 30. “I think it’s going to be fun how the finish is set up. We’re on to the AFC North. We’ve got a lot of good defenses. This is a great time to come back and try to help our team because when the weather gets cold, you’ve got to have a good, solid ground game. All the defenses in our conference want to stop the run and everyone wants to run it.”

It's assumed that the Browns will part ways at the end of the season with Peyton Hillis, who will become an unrestricted free agent after a season filled with more drama than rushing yards. Cleveland undoubtedly will use the last part of the season to see whether Hardesty can be that feature back.

Hardesty will have to run hard to get yards against Cincinnati. The Bengals have allowed 886 rushing yards, the fewest in the AFC.

But the Cleveland offensive line is coming off one of its best efforts, which resulted in Chris Ogbonnaya's 115-yard rushing performance against Jacksonville.

“Last week, our O-line had the best game that they’ve had,” Hardesty said. “Those guys looked great. The wide receivers have really been flying around on those run blocks and going through the phases. I think our offense as a whole is coming along. We’re going to be getting more confidence with what we’re doing, everybody being more comfortable in their roles in the offense. I’m excited to get back in and help that out.”

Hardesty was a second-round pick in 2010 and the seventh running back selected after C.J. Spiller, Ryan Mathews, Jahvid Best, Toby Gerhart, Dexter McCluster and Ben Tate.

There's no disputing that he has talent. Hardesty was the SEC's second-leading rusher in 2009. His biggest challenge has been staying healthy.

The Browns should have a good understanding of Hardesty's future role after these final games.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the AFC North family. As always, here's your AFC North wake-up call:

Running back Montario Hardesty will start Sunday if he’s able to play, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said, via the Akron Beacon-Journal.

Hardesty has been sidelined since suffering a torn calf muscle in his right left on Oct. 30. Hardesty participated in team drills for the first time, although he was listed as limited participation.

"If Montario can go, he’ll start," Shurmur said, "but you’ll see Chris Ogbonnaya in there quite a bit.”

Hardesty and Ogbonnaya would be the top two running backs because Peyton Hillis (hamstring) has already been ruled out.

Hensley's slant: There's growing support to start Ogbonnaya because he's rushed for 205 yards the past two games. At this point, there really is no decision. Hardesty, a second-round pick, is feature-back material and Ogbonnaya isn't. Maybe both will convince me otherwise over the next couple of weeks. But the Browns are 4-6 and need to find out whether Hardesty can be the top back next year. Ogbonnaya might be a nice fit as the third-down back.

BENGALS: Wide receiver A.J. Green (knee injury) told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he did have significant improvement but was unsure of his status for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. “It’s pretty tough not being out there and being able to help my team out,” Green told the paper. “But that comes with football. I’m just going to try to get healthy.” Hensley's slant: The Bengals had more than 400 yards of total offense without Green last Sunday, but there's no doubt that they're a better team with him in the lineup. Personally, I really want Green to get out there so we get to see Round 2 between him and Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

RAVENS: Head coach John Harbaugh said he remains unsure whether linebacker Ray Lewis (toe) will play tonight against San Francisco. He is officially listed as questionable. Asked today about his expectations for Lewis on Thanksgiving night, Harbaugh said via the Baltimore Sun, "None that I would share. I really don’t know. It’s not like we’ve got some secret that we’re holding back from anybody on any of these guys. We’ve got three, four, five guys that are up in the air. Our biggest issue right now is nicks and bumps and bruises." Hensley's slant: Just get the feeling that Lewis is going to play. The national spotlight has a tendency to bring out the best in him. If he does suit up, Lewis will need to be ready for a physical matchup against 49ers running back Frank Gore.

STEELERS: Left guard Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers' highest paid offensive lineman, has been benched in favor of Doug Legursky, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Kemoeatu said his coaches told him the demotion came because of poor performance recently. Hensley's slant: This isn't really that much of a surprise because Kemoeatu has been the Steelers' worst lineman recently. The offensive line has rebounded nicely with the play of left tackle Max Starks, center Maurkice Pouncey, right guard Ramon Foster and right tackle Marcus Gilbert. Legursky is a dependable backup, but he isn't the long-term answer there.